Overcoming a Rough Start - Conversation with Ultramarathoner James Eastland
- S2E29
- 1:15:49
- January 4th 2023
We’ve all heard the saying “Life is about choices.” Although it is tempting to point a finger to negative experiences, bad people, or peer pressure, it is still up to us to pick the path to move forward on their journey.
James Eastland is a Marine, Veteran, ultramarathoner, and entrepreneur. However, he really should be a statistic. His biological father was sent to jail when he was 11 and released when James was 46. He had a few years with an engaged step dad, but that was lost when his mom divorced him. He lived in the projects with a single, struggling mother and older brother. During these years he and his brother survived severe childhood abuse.
It was a few caring people, a pastor and a youth group that helped guide him on the right path. He watched his older brother make choices with outcomes leading him to murder their grandmother and spending the majority of his life in jail. It only reinforced his choices to make the best life possible.
Join Jay and Donna as they talk with James about his childhood, his journey into adulthood, and the choices that led him to where he is currently in his life. They will focus on resilience, discuss how each of us have the ability to choose the life we envision, and the work he is doing to give back to his community.
Listen to the end to learn how you can get involved with James's fundraising event https://www.facebook.com/groups/BattleoftheFives
Jame’s Bio
Husband, Father, Endurance Athlete, All-Marine Ultra Marathoner (41st out of 14,241 in the 2001 Marine Corps Marathon), 2016 Ironman Coeur d'Alene Finisher, 2022 TransAmerica Bicycle Race Top 10 Finisher (4,176 miles), RV Park Owner (Sergeant's RV Park-Canyon Lake, TX), and Fundraiser for Operation Float-A-Soldier and The Canyon Lake Girls Softball Association.
Website: www.SergeantsRvPark.com
Donna’s Links
Website: www.rebel-llc.com
Book: Warrior to Patriot Citizen (2017)
Blog: Taking Off The Armor
IG: @thetransitioningwarrior
Twitter: @wtpc
FB: The Transitioning Warrior
Jay’s Links
Website: https://j2servantleadership.com/
Book: Breaking Average (2020)
Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com
Download on Apple Play and Google Play
Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month.
Donna’s Links
Website: www.rebel-llc.com Consulting/Coaching
Book: Warrior to Patriot Citizen (2017)
Blog: Taking Off The Armor
IG: @thetransitioningwarrior
Twitter: @wtpc
FB: The Transitioning Warrior
Jay’s Links
Website: https://j2servantleadership.com/
Book: Breaking Average (2020)
Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!
Beyond The Frontline
Beyond the Frontline is a podcast focused on one of the most critical and overlooked missions in military life: the transition from the Frontline to the Homefront. Hosted by retired Air Force nurse and seasoned transition mentor Donna Hoffmeyer, this show offers real conversations, practical guidance, and expert insights for service members, Veterans, and their families as they navigate life beyond uniform.
With over two decades of military service including roles in nursing, flight medicine, education, and policy. Donna brings firsthand knowledge and deep compassion to every episode. She holds a master’s degree in Sport Science, is co-author of Warrior to Patriot Citizen, and runs REBel LLC, a company dedicated to Veteran mentorship, consulting, and publishing.
Through interviews and shared experiences, Beyond the Frontline dives into the emotional, logistical, and cultural aspects of transition, from preparing early to finding purpose after service. Donna also draws from her blog Taking Off The Armor, offering thoughtful commentary on the challenges and growth that come before, during, and after military retirement.
If you're ready to turn experience into empowerment and uncertainty into a plan, this podcast is your next step.
Subscribe to Beyond the Frontline—where preparation meets purpose.
Donna is a 21-year retired Air Force nurse; with a career that spanned from nursing, flight nursing, education, training, readiness, and policy. Donna has a master’s degree in Sport Science and has co-authored her first book, Warrior to Patriot Citizen; focusing on ensuring service members are prepared for transition well before transition occurs. She also has her own blog, Taking Off The Armor, focused on all issues before, during and after transition and after retirement, as well as, a multifaceted business, REBel LLC, focused on veteran transition mentorship, consulting, and publishing her own work.